"We are considering providing a lift tower of about 60 metres high linking Fung Mei Path up to the Po Kong Village Road District Open Space that is being planned.

"The facility will be modelled on the concept of the West Island Line community lift tower that will link Mid-Levels and the waterfront."

The secretary said the facility will give commuters easy access to Diamond Hill Station where they can take the Sha Tin to Central Link or Kwun Tong Line. Residents will also find it convenient going to the open space by using the lift tower and and the cycling path there.

Technical problems

Ms Cheng said the hilly terrain and geological conditions in Tsz Wan Shan make it technically difficult and risky to build a station.

There is a good footbridge system that connects the public housing estates with Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre and other areas in the neighbourhood. However, there is room for improvement, particularly regarding the use of existing facilities and building more pedestrian access including escalators to provide enhanced connections to the future Sha Tin to Central Link's Diamond Hill Station.

Other measures being considered to strengthen the district's transport connectivity include improving franchised minibus routes and service frequency as well as discussions with the MTRC on the feasibility of providing fare concessions to minibus passengers interchanging with the train.

Final design

Ms Cheng said the design of the Sha Tin to Central Link scheme is approaching the final stage. She expected the alignment and its implementation timetable to be finalised soon, and she pledged to further consult the public.

The Government is considering the proposal submitted by the MTRC in 2005 with an alignment running from Tai Wai, Diamond Hill, South East Kowloon to Hung Hom, then crossing the harbour to Exhibition and Admiralty Stations.

Regarding a rail service for Whampoa, the Government is inclined to adopt MTRC's proposal of extending the Kwun Tong Line from Yau Ma Tei with a station at Ho Man Tin.

Ms Cheng said the Government will continue to work on the most suitable funding arrangement for the scheme. Under the rail merger framework, the Government has the discretion of adopting the ownership approach or concession approach for the scheme.